BrewDog's 55% ABV beer: the strongest and most expensive beer in history

Scottish brewery BrewDog has reclaimed the world record for the strongest beer in history with a 55% alcohol beer which it has named “The End of History.” Only 11 bottles will be available, and each bottle will come inside a stuffed animal – seven Stoats will be available at GBP500 and four grey squirrels at GBP700, making it also the most expensive beer in history.

The challenge is now squarely in front of BrewDog’s great rival, three time holder of the record for the world’s strongest beer, Georg Tscheuschner of Schorschbräu brewery in Northern Bavaria.

This 55% beer is so strong that it is pushing the limits of what can be achieved in terms of alcohol content without ruining the taste – the new beer pushes the alcohol limit out by a further 25% over the previous record holder and the record is now more than double the alcoholic percentage of the world’s strongest beer just 16 months ago.

The beer’s name “The End of History” derives from philosopher Francis Fukuyama’s book "The End of History and the Last Man", in which he postulates that democracy and political and economic liberalism will triumph and democracy will be the end point of political evolution.

BrewDog’s obvious claim is that no-one is going to beat their beer because it’s the final statement and cannot be beaten – we think Fukuyama was a lot safer in making his claim than the boys at Brewdog are.

Schorschbräu's Georg Tscheuschner responded to the news saying, "this is a great challenge, but it's not over yet."

Regardless, it also seems to be a withdrawal from the battle, as BrewDog’s blog states, “The End of History”, at 55%, is the final instalment of our efforts to redefine the limits of contemporary brewing.”

“The End of History” began life as a blond Belgian ale and was subsequently freeze distilled many times, infused with nettles from the Scottish Highlands and Fresh juniper berries and ... then put in a bottle created by a taxidermist. To understand just where the Gray Squirrels and Mr Stoat fit into the picture (we’re still trying to figure it out), check out BrewDog’s latest video.

Our extensive article on the history of beer and the battle between Schorschbräu and BrewDog can be found here.